BAY AREA IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
Your Fiancé.
Your Future.
We Fight For It.
Strategic K-1 visa representation for U.S. citizens bringing their foreign-national fiancé to San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose.
AILA Member Firm
Serving All of Bay Area
Results-Driven
Bilingual Support
START YOUR CONSULTATION
Legal Consultation
Request
Tell us about your situation and we’ll outline your options.
Confidential & protected by attorney-client privilege
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Every immigration path,
handled with precision
From green cards to deportation defense — we bring legal clarity and strategic guidance to the most complex immigration situations.
01
Green Card & Adjustment of Status
I-485 filings, USCIS interviews, and permanent residency for those already in the U.S.
02
DACA & Humanitarian Relief
Timely renewals and expanded protections for Dreamers and vulnerable individuals.
03
Removal & Deportation Defense
Aggressive representation in immigration court to fight removal orders.
04
Family-Based Immigration
Spouse visas, fiancé petitions, and consular processing to reunite families.
05
U Visas & VAWA Petitions
Confidential legal support for crime victims and survivors of domestic violence.
06
Asylum & Waivers
Protection from persecution and waivers for grounds of inadmissibility.
YOUR ATTORNEY
Dylan Hackett
Lead Attorney & Managing Partner
Dylan Hackett is the managing partner of Golden Gate Immigration Law. As a former Deputy District Attorney at the San Mateo District Attorney’s Office, he brings prosecutorial experience and strategic precision to every immigration case. His international background — including leading a business in Nicaragua — gives him a unique perspective on the challenges immigrants and families face navigating the U.S. legal system. Our team provides full bilingual support so every client is heard and understood.
California Bar
Former Deputy D.A. · San Mateo County
USCIS & Immigration Court
Managing Partner
Se habla Español
(415) 622-8792
Mon – Fri 8:00am – 6:00pm
San Francisco Bay Area, California
FIANCÉ VISA K-1
Two steps to bring
your fiancé to the U.S.
The K-1 fiancé visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign-national fiancé to the United States to get married. Once in the U.S., your fiancé has 90 days to marry you and apply for a green card. Getting both steps right from the start is critical.
01
K-1 Visa Petition
Filed by the U.S. citizen with USCIS. Establishes the qualifying relationship and initiates the visa process.
- File Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé)
- Prove you have met in person within the last 2 years
- Fiancé attends consular interview abroad
02
Adjustment of Status After Marriage
Once your fiancé enters on the K-1 and you marry within 90 days, they can apply for a green card without leaving the U.S.
- File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
- Apply for work permit (EAD) while pending
- U.S. passport or Certificate of Citizenship application
Common Questions
How long does the K-1 fiancé visa process take?
From filing the I-129F to your fiancé’s entry into the U.S., the K-1 process typically takes 12–18 months. Processing times vary based on USCIS workload and the consulate in your fiancé’s country.
What happens if we don’t marry within 90 days?
If you do not marry within 90 days of your fiancé’s entry, they must leave the United States. Overstaying can result in serious immigration consequences. It is critical to plan your wedding timeline carefully before filing. Already married? Learn about our marriage-based green card services.
Can my fiancé work in the U.S. on a K-1 visa?
The K-1 visa itself does not authorize employment. However, once your fiancé enters the U.S. and you marry, they can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as part of the green card application. For current K-1 processing times, visit USCIS.gov
What is the difference between a K-1 visa and a marriage green card?
A K-1 visa is for couples who are not yet married — your fiancé enters the U.S. to marry you within 90 days. A marriage-based green card is for couples who are already married. Which path is right depends on your timeline and where your partner currently lives.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
From first contact
to clear strategy
01
From first contact to clear strategy
The U.S. citizen files the fiancé visa petition with USCIS to establish the qualifying relationship.
02
Consular Interview Abroad
Once approved, your fiancé attends a K-1 visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
03
Enter the U.S. & Marry
Your fiancé enters the U.S. on the K-1 visa. You must marry within 90 days of their entry.
04
Apply for Green Card
After marriage, your fiancé files for adjustment of status (I-485) to become a lawful permanent resident.
DON’T WAIT — IMMIGRATION LAW CHANGES FAST
Your situation deserves
a real legal strategy
A consultation could change everything.
Just clarity on your path forward.
Just clarity on your path forward.
Or call directly: (415) 622-8792 · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Hablamos Español